When we hold our Kindergarten Orientation for the kids, we have our PTA President and officers there to talk to the parents about the different committees, what they do & whats involved. This happens when the children are taking a tour of the school and read stories with the Kindergarten teachers and Principal. We also have available committee sign up forms so they can sign up right there & then. In September we hold a kindergarten ice cream party for all kindergarteners and their parents. This is so the parents & kids and meet one another and socialize a bit
Our PTA started a similar program about 20 years ago. It's called the "Pre-K Story Hour," (or something similar, I admit I can't remember!). The PTA announces in its newsletter and the local newspaper that registration is now open, and once a week (usually Tuesdays) at 3:15 the new recruits hook up with some of the PTA moms and our Kindergarten teacher. They read a story, do a related craft and play a game if there's enough time. My only problem with it is that it doesn't include the new parents in the process. On the last day we have a "graduation" and they get a little certificate and meet the principal and vice-principal. My son and all his friends were in it and LOVED it.
Sounds like a great idea! I would love to hear how it goes if you do it. It sounds like a great way to get the kids as well as the "new" parents involved socially with the school. Years ago, (and that is going way back hahaha) when my children began school I found that was when I truly became involved with the community and got to meet lots of my fellow neighbors. Keep us posted. [img]tongue.gif[/img]
I had an idea on how to slowly get Kindergarten parents comfortable and involved with PTO.
PTO will Sponsor Klub Kindergarten - there will be one evening event (for kindergarten only-and their families)each quarter. All very simple and inexpensive. Our first event would be about 1 week before school starts Kindergarten Krafts basically a meet and greet for kids and parents and for them to get familiar with the lay out of our school (teachers not required to attend-but it would be nice). our 2nd event will be movie night - bring blankets-pillows watch a movie and pto supplies drinks and popcorn. 3rd we would do a "gym class" (our kindergarteners don't have gym) and 4th Bedtime stories read by the 1st grade teachers - since 1st grade will be right around the corner.
I figure we will need "Klub Kounselors" which will be moms and dads. Once kindergarten parents are comfortable with this...who knows what wonderful things they will bring to PTO.
Does anyone have a program like this? Do you find it a bounce board for K parents to get involved with PTO?
